The second edition of the FIFA Series builds on the successful 2024 pilot, bringing together national teams from across different confederations.
FIFA has officially announced that the expanded FIFA Series 2026 will take place during the international windows of March and April next year, giving nations a unique platform to compete and connect beyond their traditional geographic borders.
For the first time, both men’s and women’s national teams will take part. The 2026 edition marks the full-scale rollout of the initiative, featuring more Participating Member Associations (PMAs), additional host nations, and a dedicated women’s version. The aim is to create more meaningful international match-ups and accelerate global football development.
The FIFA Series supports FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027, prioritising competitive balance, technical growth and cross-continental exchange, especially for nations that rarely face opponents from other confederations.
“The FIFA Series is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football’s universality and diversity through meaningful matches. The 2026 edition will further enhance that impact for men’s and women’s football alike,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“By connecting nations through competition, the FIFA Series aims to strengthen the game at every level, bringing local communities to the global stage.”
Hosts confirmed so far
Men’s FIFA Series 2026 will take place across:
Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.
FIFA is in ongoing discussions with additional Member Associations who may join as hosts.
Women’s FIFA Series 2026 will make its debut in:
Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.
The full line-up of participating teams will be announced in early 2026.
Each group will bring together national teams from different confederations in a friendly-match format, creating valuable football interaction without increasing the number of fixtures on the international calendar.
Beyond the competition itself, the FIFA Series offers significant advantages to PMAs, including:
Technical development: exposure to new tactical identities and playing styles.
Commercial growth: visibility for emerging football nations and new event markets.
Cultural exchange: strengthening global ties through the shared language of football
Approved by the FIFA Council in December 2022, the FIFA Series provides developing football nations with conditions similar to major tournaments, supporting both technical and organisational progress.
